Insecta: Odonata: Anisoptera) from the West Bank (Palestine

Home , Brachythemis, Brachythemis impartita, Brachythemis leucosticta, Paragomphus genei

Volume 10, Number 3,September 2017 ISSN 1995-6673 JJBS Pages 151 - 157 Jordan Journal of Biological Sciences

On some Records of Dragonflies (Insecta: Odonata: Anisoptera) from the West Bank (Palestine)

Shadi H. Adawi1,2, Khalid R. Qasem¹, Mubarak M. Zawahra³ and Elias N. Handal2,*

1Salfit Primary Health Care Center, Ministry of Health;

2Palestine Museum of Natural History, Bethlehem University, Bethlehem, 3Environmental Quality Authority, Palestine Received January 29, 2017 Revised May 9, 2017 Accepted May 29, 2017

Abstract

Three families with thirteen species were collected/observed from 35 localities representing various habitats and water bodies in the West Bank (State of Palestine) over the past four years. These are Brachythemis impartita, Crocothemis erythraea, Orthetrum brunneum, O. chrysostigma, O. teniolatum, Sympetrum fonscolombii S. meridionale, Trithemis annulata, T. arteriosa, Paragomphus genei, Anax imperator, A. pathenope, and A. ephippiger. There may have been a decline in dragonfly diversity in the area due to human population growth accompanied by habitat destruction especially around springs.

Keywords: Dragonflies, Odonata, Anisoptera, West Bank, Palestine, Indicator species.

occupied Palestinian territories, especially since habitat 1. Introduction destruction is accelerating and affecting many species. This communication documents the collected dragonflies About 5700 species of Odonata were described of the families Libellulidae, Gomphidae, and Aeshnidae at worldwide with most of them being tropical (Ellenrieder, the recently established Palestine Museum of Natural 2004). Odonata are classified into three suborders: History (PMNH) (Qumsiyeh et al., 2017). Anisoptera (true dragonflies), Zygoptera (damselflies) and Anisozygoptera (a very small suborder considered 2. Materials and Methods intermediate between damselflies and dragonflies). Anisoptera has ten families with Libellulidae being the The occupied Palestinian territory of the West Bank is largest with 140 genera and over 962 described species located in central Palestine and characterized by geological (Tennessen, 2003). The dragonfly fauna of Palestine were and environmental diversity and, thus, includes four studied over the past decades (Morton, 1924; Schmidt, biogeographic regions: Mediterranean (including coastal 1939; De Marmel, 1995; Schneider 1986; Dumont 1991). and semi-coastal regions), Irano-Turanian, Saharo- Dumont (1991) gave a comprehensive account of the Arabian, and Ethiopian/Sudanese. Significant biodiversity dragonflies of the Levant, with localities from historic is thus noted in a small area of a few thousand square Palestine. Family Libellulidae is the largest family with 35 kilometers. species in historic Palestine, 10 species detected in the Specimens were collected from 35 localities West Bank (Boudot et al., 2009). Dragonflies are representing the diverse habitats and biogeographic susceptible to climate change, use of insecticides, and regions within the Occupied Palestinian Territory by the habitat modification, with several species at risk and are PMNH team during field trips from April 2012 until listed in the IUCN Red List as endangered or threatened September 2016 (Table 1). Dragonflies were collected by (Schneider, 1982, 2004). means of insect nets, and deposited at PMNH collection. Qumsiyeh et al. (2014) and Salman et al. (2014) Identification was based on previous literature (Schneider pointed out the urgent need to study the biodiversity in the 1986; Dumont, 1991; Dijkstra, 2006).

Table 1. List of visited localities and their coordinates Locality N E Locality N E Ain Al Hilweh 32° 21' 38.4726" 35° 32' 8.2386" Jiftlik 32° 8' 33.2442" 35° 29' 47.3382" Ain Al Sakout 32° 21' 55.3572" 35° 32' 50.1822" Kafer al- Deek 32° 3' 41.1552" 35° 5' 16.2342" Ain Al Shamsat 32° 22' 47.0922" 35° 30' 40.4058" Kifl Haris 32° 7' 23.9268" 35° 8' 52.065" Ain Al Sultan 31° 52' 45.3216" 35° 26' 50.0532" Nahaleen 31° 41' 18.693" 35° 7' 0.9834" Ain Fasayil 32° 1' 28.0842" 35° 26' 38.2338" Naqura- Nablus 32° 15' 58.4706" 35° 11' 59.4666" Ain Hijla 31° 49' 29.4312" 35° 30' 38.0124" Nawama 31° 53' 27.6072" 35° 25' 59.9196" Ain Qinia 31° 55' 34.683" 35° 8' 59.0166" Qarawat Bani Hassan 32° 8' 48.4182" 35° 3' 20.0556" Ain Samiya 31° 59' 19.6614" 35° 20' 2.8818" Qbatia 32° 24' 8.2836" 35° 18' 3.1494" Ain Yabroud 31° 57' 5.2842" 35° 15' 6.0984" Salfit 32° 4' 57.7416" 35° 8' 49.9776" Al Makhrour 31° 43' 8.0538" 35° 9' 32.5398" Wadi Al Badan 32° 15' 22.2006" 35° 19' 16.9212" Al Walaja 31° 43' 49.8432" 35° 9' 14.619" Wadi Al Hakeem 32° 0' 59.6262" 35° 5' 7.5834" Artas 31° 41' 17.7504" 35° 11' 9.873" Wadi Al Muqatta' 32° 29' 51.9462" 35° 16' 14.3832" Bardala 32° 23' 29.9328" 35° 28' 58.5192" Wadi Al Qelt 31° 51' 3.8952" 35° 25' 53.817" Bethlehem 31° 43' 3.6258" 35° 12' 20.4006" Wadi- Al Zarqa 32° 3' 37.4688" 35° 5' 7.2744" Deir Istiya 32° 7' 32.5122" 35° 8' 45.7296" Wadi Fukeen 31° 42' 24.714" 35° 6' 13.3986" Ednha 31° 33' 42.588" 34° 59' 12.6312" Wadi Qana 32° 9' 30.5382" 35° 6' 41.8242" Husan 31° 42' 41.6232" 35° 7' 39.9144" Za'tara 31° 40' 6.9096" 35° 14' 53.5848" Iskaka 32° 6' 16.038" 35° 13' 23.127" 10074, ♂, 3.8.2015; PMNH-E-10090, ♂, 3.8.2015). Ain 3. Results Samia (PMNH-E-10075, ♀, 26.8.2015). Ain Yabroud (PMNH-E-10220, ♀, 5.10.2016; PMNH-E-10221, ♀, Thirteen species belonging to seven genera (Orthetrum, 5.10.2016). Artas (PMNH-E-10070, ♂, 18.7.2015; Trithemis, Crocothemis, Sympetrum, Brachythemis, PMNH-E-10077, ♂, 13.8.2014). Deir Istia (PMNH-E- Paragomphus, and Anax) in three families (Libellulidae, 10158, ♂, 4.6.2016; PMNH-E-10159, ♂, 4.6.2016). Wadi Gomphidae and Aeshnidae) were recorded during the Qana (PMNH-E-10185, ♂, 21.7.2016; PMNH-E-10188, present study. We did not study the damselflies and ♂, 4.6.2016; PMNH-E-10189, ♂, 4.6.2016; PMNH-E- focused on the dragonflies. 10202, ♂, 21.7.2016). Nawama (PMNH-E-10048, ♂, 3.1. Family Libellulidae 24.4.2015). Qarawa (PMNH-E-10167, ♂, 29.6.2016; PMNH-E-10177, ♂, 14.7.2016). Salfit (PMNH-E-10168, 3.1.1. Brachythemis impartita (Karsch, 1890) ♂, 19.6.2016). Wadi Al Muqatta' (PMNH-E-10095, ♂, Fig.1A 8.4.2016). Wadi Fukeen (PMNH-E-10050, ♂, 6.6.2015; Material examined (2♂♂): Ain Al Sakout (PMNH-E- PMNH-E-10064, ♂, 29.7.2015; PMNH-E-10072, ♂, 10255, ♂, 21.9.2016) Ain Al Sakout. (PMNH-E-10254, ♂, 7.3.2016; PMNH-E-10082, ♂, 27.5.2015). 3.8.2015). Remarks Remarks We collected specimens from 14 different locations Specimens were collected from a single habitat in the throughout the West Bank, including springs and irrigation Jordan Valley. In this site, it was associated with O. canals. It was associated with O. chrysostigma, T. chrysostigma, T. arteriosa, T. annulata and S. arteriosa, T. annulata, S. meridionale and S. fonscolombii. fonscolombii. The taxonomic status of this species was It has a pan-African and Mediterranean distribution revised by Dijkstra, and Matushkina (2009). Brachythemis reaching Iraq (Schmidt, 1939; Dumont, 1991; Schneider, impartita is distributed from north and south of the Sahara, 2013; Kalkman, 2003; Katbeh-Bader et al., 2004; Dia et extending to Eurasia eastwards, while B. leucosticta is al., 2011 and Amr et al., 2013). wide spread across most of tropical Africa and Madagascar 3.1.3. Orthetrum brunneum (Fonscolombe, 1837) (Dijkstra and Matushkina, 2009). All previous records of Fig.1 C this species in the Levant should be assigned to B. Material examined (2♂♂): Ain Al Hilweh (PMNH-E- impartita. 10259, ♂, 21.9.2016). Ain Yabroud (PMNH-E-10213, ♂, 3.1.2. Crocothemis erythraea (Brullé, 1832) 5.10.2016). Fig.1 B Remarks Material examined (25♂♂, 5♀♀): Ain Al Sultan Specimens were collected from two locations. It is a (PMNH-E-10256, ♀, 29.8.2016). Ain Al Zarqa (PMNH-E- widespread species in central and southern Europe, North 10257, ♂, 19.9.2016; PMNH-E-10258, ♂, 19.9.2016). Ain Africa and the Levant (Dumont, 1991; Boudot et al., 2009; Fasayel (PMNH-E-10081, ♀, 4.1.2015). Ain Qinia Schneider, 2013; Amr et al., 2013). It was found along (PMNH-E-10049, ♂, 1.8.2014; PMNH-E-10063, ♂, with O. chrysostigma and C. erythraea. 15.8.2014; PMNH-E-10065, ♂, 3.8.2015; PMNH-E- © 2017 Jordan Journal of Biological Sciences. All rights reserved - Volume 10, Number 3 153

3.1.4. Orthetrum chrysostigma (Burmeister, 1839) 10195, ♂, 4.6.2016). Wadi Al Qelt (PMNH-E-10079, ♀, Fig.1 D 4.4.2015). Material examined (63♂♂,1♀): Ain Al Hilweh Remarks (PMNH-E-10262, ♂, 21.9.2016; PMNH-E-10263, ♂, This species collected from different habitats in West 21.9.2016). Ain Al Shamsat (PMNH-E-10264, ♂, Bank, including arid and humid areas. It was reported from 21.9.2016; PMNH-E-10265, ♂, 21.9.2016). Ain Al Sultan the Greek Islands, Cyprus, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, (PMNH-E-10260, ♂, 29.8.2016; PMNH-E-10261, ♂, Syria, Sinai, and Iraq (Dumont, 1991; Kalkman, 2003; 29.8.2016). Ain Hijla (PMNH-E-10046, ♂, 18.4.2014). Katbeh-Bader et al., 2004; Amr et al., 2013; Dia et al., Ain Qinia (PMNH-E-10030, ♂, 3.8.2015; PMNH-E- 2011; Schneider, 2013). It was collected from four 10034, ♂, 15.8.2014; PMNH-E-10039, ♂, 20.5.2015; different sites, along with 1-4 other species. PMNH-E-10040, ♂, 1.8.2014; PMNH-E-10041, ♂, 3.1.6. Sympetrum fonscolombii (Selys, 1840) 15.8.2014; PMNH-E-10045, ♂, 15.8.2014; PMNH-E- 10054, ♂, 20.5.2015; PMNH-E-10061, ♂, 3.8.2015). Ain Fig.1 E Al Sakout (PMNH-E-10227, ♂, 10.10.2016; PMNH-E- Material examined (1♂, 6♀♀): Ain Al Sakout 10231, ♂, 10.10.2016; PMNH-E-10239, ♂, 10.10.2016; (PMNH-E-10270, ♀, 21.9.2016). Wadi Al Zarqa (PMNH- PMNH-E-10242, ♂, 10.10.2016; PMNH-E-10245, ♂, E-10271, ♀, 19.9.2016; PMNH-E-10272, ♀, 19.9.2016). 10.10.2016; PMNH-E-10246, ♂, 10.10.2016). Ain Samia Wadi Fukeen (PMNH-E-10207, ♂, 7.3.2016). Za'tara (PMNH-E-10084, ♂, 7.9.2015). Ain Yabroud (PMNH-E- (PMNH-E-10267, ♀, 5.9.2016; PMNH-E-10268, ♀, 10214, ♂, 5.10.2016; PMNH-E-10215, ♂, 5.10.2016; 5.9.2016; PMNH-E-10269, ♀, 5.9.2016). PMNH-E-10216, ♂, 5.10.2016; PMNH-E-10217, ♂, Remarks 5.10.2016; PMNH-E-10218, ♂, 5.10.2016; PMNH-E- Collected specimens from three different sites 10219, ♂, 5.10.2016; PMNH-E-10222, ♂, 5.10.2016; including springs, open ponds and irrigation canals. It was PMNH-E-10223, ♂, 5.10.2016; PMNH-E-10224, ♂, found along with O. chrysostigma, T. arteriosa, T. 5.10.2016). Al Walaja (PMNH-E-10056, ♂, 8.8.2014). annulata, C. erythraea andS. meridionale. It is distributed Deiristia (PMNH-E-10144, ♂, 4.6.2016; PMNH-E-10145, along Central and southern Europe, North Africa, and ♂, 4.6.2016; PMNH-E-10146, ♂, 4.6.2016; PMNH-E- southwestern Asia (Dumont, 1991; Katbeh-Bader et al., 10184, ♂, 20.7.2016; PMNH-E-10186, ♂, 21.7.2016; 2004; Boudot et al., 2009). PMNH-E-10199, ♂, 21.7.2016; PMNH-E-10200, ♂, 21.7.2016). Iskaka (PMNH-E-10164, ♂, 26.6.2-16). 3.1.7. Sympetrum meridionale (Selys, 1841) Nahaleen (PMNH-E-10033, ♂, 8.6.2015; PMNH-E-10035, Fig.1 F ♂, 8.6.2015; PMNH-E-10062, ♂, 8.6.2015). Qarawa Material examined (3♂♂): Wadi Al Zarqa (PMNH-E- (PMNH-E-10165, ♂, 29.6.2016; PMNH-E-10166, ♂, 10275, ♂, 19.9.2016). Za'tara (PMNH-E-10273, ♂, 29.6.2016; PMNH-E-10175, ♂, 14.7.2016; PMNH-E- 5.9.2016; PMNH-E-10274, ♂, 5.9.2013). 10196, ♂, 14.7.2016). Salfit (PMNH-E-10047, ♂, no date; Remarks PMNH-E-10161, ♂, 19.6.2016; PMNH-E-10162, ♂, 19.6.2016; PMNH-E-10169, ♂, 19.6.2016; PMNH-E- We collected specimens from two locations: one in the 10178, ♂, 17.7.2016; PMNH-E-10204, ♂, 16.8.2016; center of the West Bank and the other in the arid region of PMNH-E-10205, ♂, 16.8.2016). Tal Al Sultan (PMNH-E- Bethlehem. It was found to coexist with O. chrysostigma, 10121, ♀, 25.7.2016). Wadi Al Badan (PMNH-E-10032, T. arteriosa, T. annulata, C. erythraea and S. ♂, 16.9.2015). Wadi Al Hakeem - Abood (PMNH-E- fonscolombii. Its distribution range extends along southern 10038, ♂, 27.7.2015). Wadi Al Qelt (PMNH-E-10036, ♂, Europe, North Africa, the Levant reaching Iraq (Schmidt, 4.4.2015). Wadi Fukeen (PMNH-E-10031, ♂, 6.6.2015; 1939; Dumont, 1991; Kalkman, 2003; Katbeh-Bader et al., PMNH-E-10037, ♂, 6.6.2015; PMNH-E-10042, ♂, 2004; Boudot et al., 2009; Dia et al., 2011; Amr et al., 6.6.2015). Wadi Qana (PMNH-E-10043, ♂, 18.5.2013; 2013; Schneider, 2013). PMNH-E-10044, ♂, 18.5.2013). 3.1.8. Trithemis annulata (Palisot de Beauvois, 1805) Remarks Fig.1 G This is a common and widespread species collected Material examined (31♂♂): Ain Al Sakout (PMNH-E- from most visited habitats, noted perching near water 10277, ♂, 21.9.2016; PMNH-E-10278, ♂, 21.9.2016; bodies especially around springs. This species has a wide PMNH-E-10279, ♂, 21.9.2016). Ain Al Sultan (PMNH-E- distribution range extending North Africa, southern 10276, ♂, 29.8.2016). Ain Al Zarqa (PMNH-E-10280, ♂, Europe to western Asia (Dumont, 1991; Boudot et al., 19.9.2016). Ain Al Sakout (PMNH-E-10226, ♂, 2009). It was the most common species in 19 sites, and 10.10.2016; PMNH-E-10228, ♂, 10.10.2016; PMNH-E- was found along all other species at different habitats 10230, ♂, 10.10.2016; PMNH-E-10233, ♂, 10.10.2016; ranging from 1-5 species. PMNH-E-10234, ♂, 10.10.2016; PMNH-E-10235, ♂, 10.10.2016; PMNH-E-10236, ♂, 10.10.2016; PMNH-E- 3.1.5. Orthetrum taeniolatum (Schneider, 1845) 10237, ♂, 10.10.2016; PMNH-E-10238, ♂, 10.10.2016; Material examined (7♂♂,1♀): Ain Qinia (PMNH-E- PMNH-E-10240, ♂, 10.10.2016; PMNH-E-10244, ♂, 10060, ♂, 15.8.2014; PMNH-E-10076, ♂, 15.8.2014; 10.10.2016; PMNH-E-10247, ♂, 10.10.2016; PMNH-E- PMNH-E-10083, ♂, 3.8.2015). Deri Istia (PMNH-E- 10248, ♂, 10.10.2016; PMNH-E-10249, ♂, 10.10.2016; 10147, ♂, 4.6.2016). Wadi Qana. (PMNH-E-10148, ♂, PMNH-E-10250, ♂, 10.10.2016; PMNH-E-10251, ♂, 4.6.2016; PMNH-E-10183, ♂, 20.7.2016; PMNH-E- 10.10.2016; PMNH-E-10252, ♂, 10.10.2016; PMNH-E- 10253, ♂, 10.10.2016). Deir Istia (PMNH-E-10149, ♂, 154 © 2017 Jordan Journal of Biological Sciences. All rights reserved - Volume 10, Number 3

4.6.2016; PMNH-E-10150, ♂, 4.6.2016; PMNH-E-10151, ♂, 7.5.2015). Wadi Qana (PMNH-E-10057, ♂, 18.5.2013; ♂, 4.6.2016; PMNH-E-10201, ♂, 21.7.2016). Husan PMNH-E-10067, ♂, 18.5.2013). (PMNH-E-10017, ♂, no date). Salfit (PMNH-E-10206, ♂, Remarks 16.8.2016). Wadi Fukeen (PMNH-E-10096, ♂, This is a common species in all Palestinian areas and 29.7.2015). Wadi Qana (PMNH-E-10097, ♂, 1.6.2016). was collected from 16 different sites, including swimming Remarks and irrigation pools. It was associated with five other This species was found in seven different areas in the species including (O. chrysostigma, T. annulata, C. West Bank. It was found along with O. chrysostigma, T. erythraea, S. meridionale and S. fonscolombii). The arteriosa C. erythraea, S. meridionale, S. fonscolombii and species is found in Africa and the circum-Mediterranean B. impartita. It is known from southern Europe, North region (Dumont, 1991; Kalkman, 2003; Katbeh-Bader et Africa, the Levant, and northern Arabia to Iraq (Schmidt, al., 2004; Boudot et al., 2009; Dia et al., 2011; Schneider, 1939; Dumont, 1991; Kalkman, 2003; Katbeh-Bader et al., 2013). 2004; Boudot et al., 2009; Amr et al., 2013; Schneider, 3.2. Family Gomphidae 2013; Dia et al., 2011). 3.1.9. Trithemis arteriosa (Burmeister, 1839) 3.2.1. Paragomphus genei (Sélys, 1841) Fig.1 H Material examined (1♂): Wadi Al Qelt (PMNH-E- Material examined (71♂♂): Ain Al Sakout (PMNH-E- 10115, ♂, 4.4.2015). 10281, ♂, 21.9.2016). Ain Hijla (PMNH-E-10058, ♂, Remarks 18.4.2014). Ain Najjar (PMNH-E-10142, ♂, no date). Ain Collected specimen from one site in West Bank Qinia (PMNH-E-10001, ♂, 15.8.2014; PMNH-E-10005, (northern the Dead Sea). It is distributed in Western ♂, 15.8.2014; PMNH-E-10006, ♂, 15.8.2014; PMNH-E- Mediterranean region and in tropical Africa, (Dumont, 10024, ♂, 15.8.2014; PMNH-E-10025, ♂, 15.8.2014; 1991; Katbeh-Bader et al., 2004; Boudot et al., 2009). PMNH-E-10027, ♂, 3.8.2015). Ain Al Sakout (PMNH-E- 10229, ♂, 10.10.2016; PMNH-E-10232, ♂, 10.10.2016; 3.3. Family Aeshnidae PMNH-E-10241, ♂, 10.10.2016; PMNH-E-10243, ♂, 3.3.1. Anax imperator (Leach, 1815) 10.10.2016). Al Makhrour (PMNH-E-10029, ♂, 3.5.2015). Bardala (PMNH-E-10085, ♂, 18.4.2014). Deiristia Fig.1 I (PMNH-E-10152, ♂, 4.6.2016; PMNH-E-10153, ♂, Material examined (4♂): Naqura (PMNH-E-10143, ♂, 4.6.2016; PMNH-E-10154, ♂, 4.6.2016; PMNH-E-10155, 31.7.2012). Bethlehem (PMNH-E-1010052,♂ 20.7.2015). ♂, 4.6.2016; PMNH-E-10156, ♂, 4.6.2016; PMNH-E- Wadi Al Muqatta’ (PMNH-E-10086, ♂, 8.4.2016, PMNH- 10163, ♂, 28.5.2016; PMNH-E-10187, ♂, 21.7.2016; E-10123, ♂, 5.9.2016). PMNH-E-10190, ♂, 4.6.2016; PMNH-E-10191, ♂, Remarks 4.6.2016; PMNH-E-10192, ♂, 4.6.2016; PMNH-E-10193, Collected specimens from three different sites ♂, 4.6.2016; PMNH-E-10194, ♂, 4.6.2016; PMNH-E- including springs, open ponds and irrigation canals. It is 10197, ♂, 21.7.2016; PMNH-E-10198, ♂, 21.7.2016). distributed along Europe, North Africa, and in Edna (PMNH-E-10011, ♂, 23.8.2014; PMNH-E-10015, Mediterranean region (Dumont, 1991; Katbeh-Bader et al., ♂, 23.8.2014). Husan (PMNH-E-10009, ♂, no date). Kefel 2004; Boudot et al., 2009). Haris (PMNH-E-10171, ♂, 11.7.2016; PMNH-E-10172, ♂, 11.7.2016; PMNH-E-10173, ♂, 11.7.2016). Kufer 3.3.2. Anax pathenope (Sélys, 1839) aldeek (PMNH-E-10157, ♂, 4.6.2016). Kefer aldeek Fig.1 J (PMNH-E-10174, ♂, 11.7.2016). Nablus (PMNH-E- Material examined (1♂): Qabatia (PMNH-E-10053, 10007, ♂, Jul.2014; PMNH-E-10089, ♂, Apr.2011). 7.9.2015). Qarawa (PMNH-E-10176, ♂, 14.7.2016). Salfit (PMNH- Remarks E-10002, ♂, Aug.2014; PMNH-E-10010, ♂, 22.8.2014; Collected specimens from one site in the northern of PMNH-E-10012, ♂, 22.8.2014; PMNH-E-10019, ♂, no West Bank, around open ponds and irrigation canals. It is date; PMNH-E-10020, ♂, Nov.2014; PMNH-E-10023, ♂, distributed along southern Europe, North Africa, and in 22.8.2014; PMNH-E-10028, ♂, Aug.2014; PMNH-E- Mediterranean region. (Dumont, 1991; Katbeh-Bader et 10160, ♂, 19.6.2016; PMNH-E-10170, ♂, 19.6.2016; al., 2004; Boudot et al., 2009). PMNH-E-10179, ♂, 17.7.2016; PMNH-E-10180, ♂, 17.7.2016; PMNH-E-10181, ♂, 17.7.2016; PMNH-E- 3.3.3. Hemianax ephippiger (Burmeister, 1839) 10182, ♂, 17.7.2016). Wadi Al Muqatta' (PMNH-E- Fig.1 K 10208, ♂, 8.4.2016). Wadi Fukeen (PMNH-E-10003, ♂, Material examined (2♂♂): Jiftlik (PMNH-E-10053, 27.5.2015; PMNH-E-10004, ♂, 6.6.2015; PMNH-E- 27.3.2013). Wadi Al Qelt (PMNH-E-10087, 7.3.2016). 10008, ♂, 29.8.2014; PMNH-E-10013, ♂, 6.6.2015; PMNH-E-10014, ♂, 6.6.2015; PMNH-E-10016, ♂, Remarks 6.6.2015; PMNH-E-10018, ♂, 6.6.2015; PMNH-E-10021, Collected specimens from one site in the northern of ♂, 29.7.2015; PMNH-E-10026, ♂, 6.6.2015; PMNH-E- West Bank, around open ponds and irrigation canals. It is 10059, ♂, 29.7.2015; PMNH-E-10068, ♂, 6.6.2015; distributed along southern Europe, North Africa, and in PMNH-E-10069, ♂, 29.8.2014; PMNH-E-10071, ♂, Mediterranean region. (Dumont, 1991; Katbeh-Bader et 7.3.2016; PMNH-E-10073, ♂, 7.3.2016; PMNH-E-10106, al., 2004; Boudot et al., 2009). © 2017 Jordan Journal of Biological Sciences. All rights reserved - Volume 10, Number 3 155

Figure 1.A. Brachythemis impartita B. Crocothemis erythraea C. Orthetrum brunneum D. Orthetrum chrysostigma E. Sympetrum fonscolombii F. Sympetrum meridionale G. Trithemis annulata H. Trithemis arteriosa I. Anax imperator J. Anax pathenope K. Hemianax ephippiger. Scale is 10 mm. 156 © 2017 Jordan Journal of Biological Sciences. All rights reserved - Volume 10, Number 3

4. Discussion required to study the other families of both dragonflies and damselflies all over the West Bank especially with a focus The nine species of Libellulidae family recorded from to habitat changes and threats to populations. the Palestinian areas include four widespread African and circum-Mediterranean species (Dument, 1991; Schneider Acknowledgements et al., 1986). In historic Palestine and nearby areas, family Libellulidae is represented by more than 30 species We are grateful for Prof. Mazin B. Qumsiyeh and Prof. (Borton, 1924; Boudot et al., 2009; Dument, 1991; Zuhair S. Amr for their support, encouragement, and Schneider et al., 1986). In an unpublished doctoral thesis, editing this manuscript. We thank the Environmental Schneider (1986) reported other species from the area of Quality Authority for field and other logistical assistance. the West Bank collected between 1979 and 1983 including We also thank two anonymous referees for their input, Epallage fatime, Coenagrium syriacum, Ischnura evansi, I. which improved the present study. Funding for the present fountainei, I. elegens ebneri. Psudagrion sublacteum, P. work was solely internal (Palestine Museum of Natural syriacum, Gomphus davidi, Onichogomphus lefebvrii, History). Orthetrum anceps, O. trinacrium, Eurothemis edwardsi, Zygonyx torridus, and Pseudagrion sublacteum. Thus, a References total of 27species of dragonflies were reported in this area Amr ZS, Al Azzam LS, Katbeh-Bader A and Eid EK. 2013. over this period of time (1979 until today). We were able Odonata of Wadi Al Mujib Catchment with notes on the impact of to find only 13 species. This could have two explanations: Wadi Al Mujib Dam, Jordan (Insecta: Odonata). Jordan J. Biol our sampling may not have been covering all the areas Sci., 6(4):292-299. visited by Schneider (1986) or that there has been a Bell HL. 1971. Effect of low pH on the survival and emergence of significant decline in species richness of dragonflies in this aquatic insects. Water Res., 5(6):313-319. area since the work of Schneider (1986, collected 1979- 1983). Schneider (1982) examined man-induced changes Borton KJ. 1924. The Dragon‐flies (Odonata) of Palestine, based on the dragonfly fauna of the Jordan Valley and warned of primarily on collections made by Dr. PA Buxton, with Notes on the Species of the Adjacent Regions. Transactions of the Royal impending dangers. On the eastern banks of the Jordan Entomol Soc of London, 72(1‐2):25-44. River, many species of the dragonflies of Jordan disappeared in the past fifty years (Erythromanalindenii Boudot JP, Kalkman V, Amorin MA, Bogdanovic T, Cordero zernyi and Agriocnemis sania) or underwent retraction in Rivera A, Degabriele G, Dommanget JL, Ferreira S, Garrigos B, Jovic M, Kotarac M, Lopau W, Marinov M, Mihokovic N, their distribution ranges (Cabpteryx syriaca) (Katbeh- Riservato E, Samraoui B and Schneider W. 2009.Atlas of the Bader et al., 2004). Odonata of the Mediterranean and North Africa, Börnsen : Thus, the weight of the evidence points to man induced Gesellschaft deutschsprachiger Odonatologen. changes. Many streams from which earlier records existed Clark TEand Samways MJ. 1996. Dragonflies (Odonata) as have been altered so that water is removed directly from indicators of biotope quality in the Kruger National Park, South the spring source (no more open stream in the area). Africa. J Applied Ecol., 33:1001-1012. Salman et al. (2014) commented on the potential impact of these practices on the declining amphibian populations. De Marmels J. 1995. Some dragonfly records from central and northern Israel. Opuscula Zoological Fluminensia, 128: 1-9. Dragonfly fauna in other parts of the world are affected by these factors (Watson et al., 1982; Ward et al., 1982; Dia A and Dumont HJ. 2011. The Odonata of Lebanon: (Insecta: Wright et al., 1995; Clark et al., 1996; Stewart et al., 1998; Odonata). Zoology in the Middle East, 52(1):63-70. Bell, 1971). Further, the population in the West Bank has Dijkstra KDB and Matushkina N. 2009. Kindred spirits: more than doubled since Schneider’s study (1986) both by “Brachythemis leucosticta”, Africa's most familiar dragonfly, natural increase of the native Palestinian population and by consists of two species (Odonata: Libellulidae). International settler population increase (from less than 200,000 then to Journal of Odonatology, 12(2):237-256. over 750,000 now). This has resulted in habitat destruction Dijkstra KDB. (Editor) 2006. Field Guide to the Dragonflies of and pollution that impacts water sources for both humans Britain and Europe: Including Western Turkey and North- and animals (Hammd and Qumsiyeh, 2013; Qumsiyeh et Western Africa. Dorset: British Wildlife Publishing, UK. al., 2014; Salman et al., 2014; Handal et al., 2015). More Gray LJ and Ward JV. 1982. Effects of sediment releases from a studies are needed especially in the Northern parts of the reservoir on stream West Bank and the Jordan Valley. macroinvertebrates. Hydrobiologia, 96(2):177-184. At the global level, many dragonfly species have Dumont HJ. 1991. Odonata of the Levant.Fauna Palaestina, shown a dramatic decline in their distribution and Insecta V. Israel Academy of Sciences, Jerusalem, 297pp. abundance patterns since the second half of the 20th Ellenrieder N. 2004. Odonata (Dragonflies and damselflies). In: century (Westfall and May, 1996; Sahlen et al., 2004; Schlager, N. (Ed). Grzimek’s Animal Life Encyclopedia. 2nd. Inoue, 2004). The causes of such decline are mainly due to Ed. Vol. 3 Insects, pp. 133-139. habitat destruction, eutrophication, acidification, pollution Hammad K and Qumsiyeh MB. 2013. Genotoxic effects of Israeli and water mismanagement (channelization, dam's industrial settlement pollutants on Palestinian residents of construction, and modifications of the structure of rivers). Bruqeen Village (Salfit). Inter J Environ Studies, 70(4):655-662 Effects of water extraction and pollution of natural water Handal EN, Amr Z and Qumsiyeh MB. 2015. Some records of resources on the natural populations of dragonflies in the freshwater snail from the Occupied Palestinian territories. Jordan Palestinian regions should be a first priority. J Natural History, 1(2):23-29 The present study documents species composition and distribution in the Palestinian areas. Further assessment is © 2017 Jordan Journal of Biological Sciences. All rights reserved - Volume 10, Number 3 157

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